pail /peɪl/noun 2forms 1phrases 1 noun2 •A vessel of wood, tin, plastic, etc., usually cylindrical and having a handle -- used especially for carrying liquids, for example water or milk; a bucket (sometimes with a cover).The milkmaid carried a pail of milk in each hand. •A closed (covered) cylindrical shipping container. formspails Phrases with pail hand in one's dinner pailTo die.